Pacific Crest Trail Association - Preserving, Protecting and Promoting

Since 1977, the PCTA has protected, maintained,
and advocated for the Pacific Crest Trail.

Trail Maintenance Fund. Support maintenance projects along the PCT.

Volunteer

PCTA Membership, Join or renew today!

Saddle up

From trailhead conditions to tips on
safety and logistics

Take a hike

Trip basics to long-distance permits,
maps and gear

Latest News

Continued avalanche hazard along the PCT in the Sierra Nevada this June
1 week ago

Building this new section of PCT involved multiple years of pulling roots and rocks out of the ground. Photo by Clare Major.

The PCTA and Salomon: Partners for the Trail
2 weeks ago

Remembering John Hachey, a true Trail Gorilla and friend
1 month ago

Trail Gorillas and ACE rebuild the PCT in SoCal after Valentine’s Day storm
1 month ago

Featured

Project schedule

PCT DAYS

Chicken Spring Lake on the Pacific Crest Trail

The Journalist

Trail closures

Stream crossing safety advice for hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail

Stream crossing safety while hiking and backpacking

Buy our PCT book today. You'll love it. The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America’s Wilderness Trail is truly special. Published by Rizzoli. Written by Mark Larabee, Barney Scout Mann, with a forward from Cheryl Strayed.

Our book | The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America’s Wilderness Trail

When to hike the PCT

Fin Dome in Kings Canyon National Park. The Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail winding away.

Permits

National Trails System map

America’s National Trails System

Photo of dog hiking on leash with backpack.

Hiking with dogs

Muir Hut in Kings Canyon National Park is being searched for a missing person during the winter. Photo courtesy of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

Emergency beacons, lost hikers, trip plans, and search and rescue

Dormouse near the end of her southbound PCT thru-hike.

Southbound thru-hike guide